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Small Business Secrets

News: Living Wage Rises & Government Takes Notice

Last week we reported that 5 million people in the UK are working for less than the living wage – a figure that reflects the cost of living, and which has been raised today.

The living wage now stands at £7.45 across the country and £8.55 in London – a rise of 25p per hour over the previous figures. The national minimum wage still stands at £6.19 per hour, but with increasing pressure from charities and support from politicians, this could be set to change.

A newly designed trademark has been unveiled today, which recognises and accredits employers who pay the London living wage. The Living Wage Foundation said it hoped the mark would become as recognisable as the Fair Trade logo.

Politicians have also put their weight behind the initiative, with both Boris Johnson and Ed Miliband announcing their support. Miliband announced today that, if Labour win the next election, government contracts would only be granted to those paying the living wage or above, and that those paying less would be ‘named and shamed’.Find us on Google +, Facebook and Twitter